Historical --the the business according to WL.
About us - Wicked Lasers
Was thinking about "not long ago" and found this WL historical info. $699 for a 125mW 532nm green---$3499 for 40mW 473nm blue--$1999 for a 300mW 532nm--$1999 for a 100mW 405nm among others .
Has come a long way since then!
As much as everyone has serious dislike for and misgivings about WL, they did trailblaze and jumpstart the hobby generating interest in hand held lasers with their products and marketing efforts. Significant developments by WL are below---impressive milestones-think about it.
First hand held high power 532nm green laser --125mW 2004
Spyder I Series which held the Guinness World Record for being the most powerful handheld laser in the world in 2006 --a 300mW 532nm green which sold for $1999. which is where the "most powerful in the world" marketing claim came from.
From WL history page:
"August 2004 - Introduced the first high powered, green handheld laser
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The first green handheld laser was a modified green laser pointer manufactured by Leadlight Taiwan, the first 532nm DPSS green laser pointer manufacturer in history. Power outputs were available from 15mW ($99) to 45mW ($299). Wicked Lasers would later use a higher output pump diode capable of producing an output of 55mW ($399) to 125mW ($699).
January 2006 - Launched the Spyder I Series
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The Spyder I had an output of 40mW in the 473nm blue ($3499) and 300mW in the 532nm green ($1999). Crafted out of heat-resistant brass, it was fully waterproof, with a continuous duty cycle. The Spyder I Series held the Guinness World Record for being the most powerful handheld laser in the world.
November 13, 2006 - Launch of the first purple handheld laser
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The Sonar 405nm 100mW laser ($1999) was created from a diode harvested from the world's first Blu-ray player, the Sony BDP-S1. Later more powerful models were available by harvesting Blu-ray burners.
January 2007 - Introduced the Spyder II Series
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The next generation Spyder II was available in red 300mW ($1999), green 300mW ($1999), and blue 40mW ($1999). Its casing was crafted from T6061 aircraft-grade aluminum, making it lightweight and virtually indestructible. It was the first handheld laser to feature TEC cooling.
September 4, 2009 - Launched the Spyder III Series
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The Spyder III was the first class 4 laser available in 500mW green ($4999), 60mW green, ($3999) and 500mW red ($3499). Featuring mini lock safety technology, the Spyder III was fully compliant with laser compliance manufacturing requirements. Its aircraft grade aluminum, reinforced heat sink and tactical strike bezel made it the most advanced Spyder yet.
June 10, 2010 - The Spyder III Arctic Arrives
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The iconic Arctic 1 watt 445nm blue laser ($299) diode was harvested from a Casio laser projector. Equipped with a digital microprocessor, it requires a passcode for laser activation and features 9 function modes. Its immense popularity caused Lucasfilm to file a cease and desist letter over its "lightsaber-like design". As the story went viral, sales skyrocketed but the company was not able to keep up with demand. Many customers faced delays which ranged from 3-6 months before eventually receiving their order.
